Storytellers,
What does a Kwanzaa Storytelling Workshop, a Kwanzaa Celebration
and a late night family gathering around buffalo wings and nacho cheese dip have in common? The answer is great storytellers and storytelling. There is a shared common belief that storytelling is only done by those gifted with a special talent. Ordinary people don't have anything special to tell and even if they did who would want to listen to what they have to say.
During the family gathering with my niece, grand-niece and cousins, I mostly listened. The stories had all the drama, excitement and humor found in stories from the best storytellers. I felt connected and I remembered. Things I had forgotten resurfaced, and I once again became
that little barefoot country girl with the long pigtails. My city cousins took me on my first trip to
six flags, squeezed into the back of a station wagon. Each generation told their stories and best of all, younger children were there to listen. Cousins that had not met before connected, bonds were established and others renewed.
What began for me as a public journey, that of a performing storyteller of fables and folktales, is transitioning into a personal and private journey, transitioning into a keeper and teller of my families stories. Part of that transition is to help others discover their
stories and restore faith in the worthiness of the stories and the necessity of telling the stories.
The Kwanzaa Storytelling Workshop was a great personal success. I was able to witness a family share their stories with each other. A 6 year old told of getting a pet, a 14 year old told of the beauty of her name and a 12 year old about his football coach. Husband and wife co-told of their desire for children and how their life has changed with children, and a daughter told of her father's influence in helping her become and independent adult.
I will not forget the look of surprise as each discovered their story and the dawning awareness that there were many more stories to tell. The shinning eyes, expressive words and smiles that greeted each story reaffirmed the value of the storyteller and the story. I want to witness more of this during 2006. As I develop my family stories, I want to work with others to develop their family stories.
One of my goals is to present several more family storytelling workshops. I ask your assistance and support as I make this transition in storytelling.
Jeanette Vaughn Waddell, Professional Storyteller
706-444-6133
"Weaving a web of words that educate, encourage and entertain."
